Abstract: A backlash-free speed reducing device includes a drive unit, a rotary unit, and a power output unit. The drive unit consists of a drive motor having a drive shaft. A first power transmission cable is wound around the drive shaft. The rotary unit has two first cylinders, with the first transmission cable fixed to the external surface of the first cylinders at opposite ends thereof and wound around or unwound from the first cylinders in response to a rotation of the drive shaft. Each of the first cylinders is concentrically fitted over a rotating shaft such that the first cylinders are linearly movable along the rotating shafts in opposite directions. A second power transmission cable is fixed to the external surfaces of the rotating shafts of the two first cylinders at opposite ends thereof. The power output unit has a second cylinder, with the second transmission cable wound around the second cylinder.

Abstract: Four similar gravitational sub-systems connected with one another to keep rotational energy substantially constant caused by gravity as a result of the combined interaction between two elements having different groups of gravity masses and different speeds.

Abstract: A wood planing machine includes a first drive transmission member transmitting a rotating force of a cutting member to a first transmission shaft with two gears mounted thereon. Two gears are splined on a second transmission shaft and are movable along an axis of the shaft such that one gear meshes with a respective one of the gears on the first transmission shaft so as to result in two reduction drives of the second transmission shaft. A second drive transmission member transmits one of the reduction drives to a feed-in rolling member. An actuating member is rotated with a rotating force which is transformed by a cam member into a translation force to move the gears on the second transmission shaft.

Abstract: A rotary joint mechanism for connecting two machine parts to effect relative movement between the two machine parts includes an outer ring adapted to be connected to a rotatable machine part, and an inner ring adapted to be connected to a fixed machine part, with the outer ring being rotatable relative to the inner ring. The outer surface of the outer ring is provided with a mechanism for transferring force from at least one cable element to the outer ring to effect rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring.

Abstract: A right angle attachment configured to be attached to a small electrically powered rotary hand tool of the type that is used in woodworking, hobby work and other work. Being small, lightweight, relatively vibration free and quiet in operation, the attachment is easily attached to a hand tool in a very short amount of time without the use of any special tools. The attachment has a flexible input shaft and an output shaft that are oriented at an angular orientation, such as approximately 90 degrees relative to one another so that the flexible shaft compensates for misalignment between the input shaft and the output shaft of the tool.

Abstract: A positive/reverse rotation control device comprises a shaft and at least two one-way bearings, wherein the shaft pierces simultaneously through axial apertures of the two bearing, and the two one-way bearings are mounted in opposite directions. Thus, with the shaft rotating positively (e.g., clockwise), the first bearing is to rotate positively (clockwise), and the gear assembly or tooth gage belt pivotally jointed to the first one-way bearing is to be brought to work, whereas the second one-way bearing stays still; when the shaft rotates reversely (e.g., counter clockwise), the second one-way bearing is then to be brought to rotate reversely (counter clockwise), and thus bringing the gear assembly or tooth gage belt pivotally connected to the second one-way bearing to work, whereas the first one-way bearing stays still.

Abstract: When a roller holder attached to a floating chassis of the disk player rotates to raise a carrier roller from a disk non-carrying position to a disk carrying position, a convex portion of the roller holder is engaged with concave portions of the main chassis from above so as to fix the floating chassis to the main chassis in the back and forth directions as well as the right and left directions. The roller holder further rotates about a fulcrum to raise the floating chassis. As a result, the floating chassis is made to abut against another part of the main chassis from below to fix the floating chassis to the main chassis in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Two similar gravitational transducer sub-systems connected with one another to maintain rotational energy caused by gravity as a result of the interaction between the two sub-systems. Each of the two sub-systems viewed independently employs a method and system of converting gravity into mechanical energy by means of a sequence of impulses of force. Together the overall system achieves enhanced effectiveness and achieves substantially constant velocity for certain periods of duration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gear transmission with a steplessly adjustable translation ratio for converting of rotary speeds and of torques of shafts. The uniform rotary motion of a drive shaft is transferred to a driven shaft with the aid of time staggered operating gear transmission units. The rotary motion is transformed by a cam transmission initially into a uniform translational motion and in the following this uniform translational motion is transformed into another, also uniform translational motion, with a speed depending on the translation ratio setting with a translation device. Finally this translational motion is transferred again into a uniform rotary motion by a further planar cam transmission and transferred to the driven shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is useful in a nip-forming apparatus including a first roll and a second roll, wherein one of the rolls is displaceable toward the other to control the position of the first roll relative to the second roll, and wherein one of rolls is driven and the other is rotatable. The invention defines a setup procedure that includes rotating the driven roll and sensing a rotational speed of the rotatable roll. While the driven roll is rotating, the displaceable roll is displaced to a home displacement position relative to the other roll, wherein the home displacement position corresponds to a displaced position of the displaceable roll where the rotatable roll rotates at a select speed in response to contact with the driven roll. This home displacement position is then recorded. The invention is particularly well-suited for setup of a sheet decurler in an image forming apparatus. Change in the home displacement position over time due to roll wear is monitored and used to predict roll failure.

Abstract: The torque variator device of the invention is a mechanism to be interleaved between a transmission arbor and a conducted arbor, and it includes two circular plates that at the external edges they have double serrated rings. On one hand, said rings include the serration of a peripheric ratchet, and, on the other hand they engage with corresponding conical pinions at the end of the threaded bars, located radially and which are gyratory within a threaded hole in radially displaceable coupling elements of said circular plates. The invention also includes a device for the detection of the radial location of said coupling elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission gear with a steplessly adjustable translation for converting rotation speeds and torques between two shafts. Such converters are employed in all areas of the drive technology, as for example in machine tools and vehicle drives. The transmission gear according to the present invention allows a uniform motion transfer from the drive shaft to the driven shaft while simultaneously inducing substantially less wear appearances at its function determining transmission gear elements, in particular of the transmission gear part system at the side of the driven shaft. Means are furnished for reducing wear, which means superpose an additional motion influencing the speed of the driven shaft only unsubstantially to the translation motions of the translation device.

Abstract: A fan structure includes a fan head having a plurality of blades mounted for rotation. A mechanism is coupled to the fan head and is constructed and arranged to move the fan head along a surface of a sphere in a three dimensional pattern. At least one motor is constructed and arranged to cause rotation of the blades and movement of the mechanism. The mechanism thus provides both back-and-forth and up-and-down motion of the fan head.

Abstract: A linkage couples a pair of rotatable shafts so that the rotation of one the shafts causes rotation of the other said shaft about the some axis. The linkage includes a pair of thin flexure strips disposed in parallel between the pair of parallel rotatable shafts One end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to one of the rotatable shafts and the other end of the pair of flexure strips is coupled to the other rotatable shaft. The pair of thin flexure strips is coupled to the shafts so that the rotation of one of the shafts will cause the flexure strips to rotate the other of the shafts. The rotatable shafts rotate around parallel axes. The flexure strips flex and bend together as the rotatable shafts rotate. The rotational motion transmitted by the flexure strips has the same axis as the rotation axis of the shafts.

Abstract: In the case of bicycles, the purpose of the new construction is to make maximum use of the momentum produced by pedalling under varying ground conditions, load, and acceleration--thus making bicycling easier. The construction has two variable positions which reduce the time during which the pedals are in a dead position (top and bottom) and prolong the time where the pedals are at right angles (16) whereby maximum effect is gained from the power force. This applies if the direction of force is non-circular, i.e. when there is a rise of the ground, and under acceleration as well as "standing pedalling". New positioning is possible in relation to the pedal arm (18), i.e. when changed ground conditions (rise) cause the center of gravity (pedalling) to shift. The invention differs from existing ones in that there is "increased" angular velocity between the driving shaft (1) and driven shaft (2) when they are on the same level and have the same longitudinal direction, which is the case in this construction.

Abstract: An axoid force mechanism has first and second end elements, at least one of the end elements being arranged for progressive movement. First and second stocks are respectively on the first and second end elements, the first and second stocks respectively having first and second supporting surfaces that are at least portions of circular cylinders. A first intermediate member has first and second supporting surfaces that are at least portions of circular cylinders respectively engaged with the first and second supporting surfaces of the first and second stocks for rolling thereon when the one of the end elements moves progressively.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for achieving high torque and speed reduction in a compact and light-weight low parts-count speed converter apparatus featuring a floating ground element that both provides a moving ground to the first stage and acts as an input to a second stage, wherein both stages cooperatively drive the output.

Abstract: The present invention is a torque variator device of the type applicable to transmission shafts of a vehicle. The device is interconnected between its conductor and conducted ends. The device includes a conducting piece that conforms a header end that is run through by a plurality of radial throats that constitute the radial displacement guides of perspective articulate arms; a radially expandable set of articulated arms with articulation ends that are proximal to the connection base of the conducing piece; a conducted piece coupled to the conducted end of the transmission shaft and that, coaxially and proximally opposed to the conductor piece; a positional variator provided with radial displacement for the articulated arms; and a control means of the positional variator.

Abstract: A power transmission system used in connection with a vehicle power wheel of a bicycle or other vehicle which has a fixed axle and which utilizes a rotating chain sprocket engaging an endless chain for receiving an input torque and transmitting an output torque. The system includes a transmission ratio varying apparatus that is operably connected to the wheel by the endless chain. The transition ratio apparatus incorporates a drive collar fixedly secured to a sprocket and having one or more input and output drive rings. A drive body is displaceable with respect to the input and output drive rings and includes input and output pawls pivotally connected to the drive body and engageable with the input and output drive rings. A shifter housing is moveable with respect to the fixed axle cam to rotatably shift the drive body with respect to the drive ring and change the relationship between the input and output pawls and thereby vary the torque transmission ratio.

Abstract: A device for transmitting rotational power that relays on mechanical gearing and has a continuous range of output-to-input speed ratio comprises two radially grooved discs(16, 28), sliding teeth(22), an internally saw-toothed gear(26), a ring-shaped spring(24) and a control mechanism(38). The sliding teeth(22) are meshed with the internal gear (26) and held in their position by the spring(24). The sliding teeth(22), the internal gear(26) and the spring(24) are placed between the discs(16, 28) in such a way that side edges of each sliding teeth(22) are inside the radial grooves(18, 30) of the discs(16, 28). The radially grooved discs(16, 28) are connected at their axis of rotation. The control mechanism(38) is used to offset the axis of rotation of the discs(16, 28) from the axis of rotation of the internal gear(26) thus changing their speed ratio. The discs (16, 28) will rotate with the same speed as the internal gear(26) when their axes of rotation coincide with each other.

Abstract: Two unbalanced connectable systems are moving over the above two portions of their movement with different speed during the separation from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a scanning output from a rotary input based upon the cooperation of a continuous track and a discontinuous track via at least one interacting element.

Abstract: A change gear system comprises a driven case, a driving shaft and shifting means for shifting the drive shaft, and three sliding frames are provided in alignment in the driven case. Each sliding frame is provided with a pair of rack gears with teeth facing each other and cam surfaces facing each other in parallel with a pitch line of the rack gears. The sliding frames are provided for movement at an angle of 120 (deg.) in different directions perpendicular to the pitch, respectively. The driving shaft is provided with pinions and cam plates. The cam plates are in contact with the cam surfaces, and serve for positioning the sliding frames. The cam plates are configured such that arcs C1 are linked alternatingly with arcs C2.

Abstract: A stump grinder mountable on a three-point hitch of a conventional tractor and provided with a laterally and longitudinally movable cutter wheel. The stump grinder includes a support frame adapted for mounting on the three-point hitch, a swing frame horizontally pivotally mounted on the support frame, an elongated main beam vertically pivotally mounted on the swing frame, and a telescopic extension slidably mounted on the main beam. A side-cutting cutter wheel is rotatably mounted on the telescopic extension such that it is rotatable about a horizontal transverse rotational axis. The stump grinder is driven from the tractor power take-off with a drive line which includes first and second telescopic driveshafts and an intermediate support coupling mounted on the main beam, the driveshaft on the tractor side including a CV-joint on each end, and the driveshaft on the cutter wheel side including U-joint on each end.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for translating angular velocity and rotary motive force of an input drive to angular velocity and rotary motive force of an output drive, by providing a pair of devices rotatable at, relative to or about a common axis, and translating means for transmitting angular velocity and rotary motive force of a first of the devices to angular velocity and rotary motive force of a second of the devices. In a preferred embodiment, the translating means includes a variably and controlledly groundable reaction disk for varying the throughput from the input to the output. A generator captures energy spent on the rotating reaction disk.

Abstract: Method and apparatus having a single continuous track of segments, each segment having its own profile, and wherein ones of the segments have the same profile, for generating a varying motion output.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention consists of a housing containing 1) a "cam-motor" mechanism 2) an input shaft and 3) an output shaft that may or may not be collinear with the input shaft. The "cam motor" mechanism linking the input and output shafts is capable of an infinite variety of motion transfer functions between the input and output shafts. A "cam-motor" or cam-modulated linkage provides the transfer function. Output motion can be specified to be any of a large variety of displacement profiles (either clockwise and or counter-clock wise) including several dwells and controlled accelerations and decelerations between them. Input motion can also be specified and can have either constant or variable velocity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing backlash in a speed converter using balls to interact between input and output cams. Preferred embodiment features two-point contact of balls by drive input and driven output cam tracks under axial preload.

Abstract: An assembly mountable on a toolhead assembly of a machine tool for performing a work function on a shallow wall of a workpiece positioned on a worktable of the machine generally consisting of a body mountable on the toolhead assembly, having a bottom surface adapted to be positioned adjacent the work table and an elongated bore disposed adjacent the bottom surface, a spindle shaft journaled in the elongated bore, having a bevel gear disposed on an inner portion thereof and means for mounting a tool bit on an outer end portion thereof, and a drive shaft journaled in the body, mountable on a drive spindle of the toolhead assembly and having a bevel gear meshing with the first mentioned bevel gear.

Abstract: A log cut and split mobile device wherein a support beam having a hitch yoke and a mobile axle having wheel members is arranged to include a support frame secured to the support frame, such that the support frame is provided with a saw blade rotatably mounted thereto in operative communication to a drive motor through a drive belt in selective operative communication to drive the saw blade by means of the drive motor, with a hydraulic pump operative through a valve member to effect selective reciprocation of a ram relative to the support beam to permit splitting of a log oriented between the ram and a splitting wedge.

Abstract: An elliptical path pedaling system uses two mutually perpendicular intersecting guideways with a circular drive member pivotally attached at its center to a follower, mounted for reciprocal movement within the first guideway. A second follower is pivotally attached to the circular drive member at a predetermined radial distance from the center of said drive member for reciprocal movement in the second guideway. A pedal crank is attached to the drive member to rotate it about the center. As the drive member rotates, the reciprocating movements of the two followers in the perpendicular guideways cause the drive member to move back and forth in the path of the first guideway. A pedal crank attached to the reciprocating drive member follows an elliptical path. A chain or other suitable drive transfer device is coupled between the drive member and a circular driven member, which is rotated about its center and is mounted in a fixed position relative to the guideways.

Abstract: A new type of gear is provided which endorses a new type of slide pin gear having a plurality of holes within which a plurality of rounded pins travel traversely. The slide pin gear travels in combination within two corresponding exterior ruffled plates as they turn. The gear provides a positive infinitely variable speed assembly. The two wheels, each having a face of each wheel with ruffles extending from the center to peripheral edge. The ruffled surfaces are flat across the diameter, and from the center to the peripheral edge, the depth of each valley is equal to the crest of the ruffles, forming a smooth blending wave into one another. The speed radio of the gears depends upon the distance between the axle centers of the slide pin gear and the corresponding pair of ruffled wheel plates. Alternately, the gear assemblies may be provided with auxiliary locking features, to insure the locking of each of the pins at the desired position for maximum interface with the ruffled wheel plates.

Abstract: A positive, variable speed transmission system comprising a pair of beveled plates and a plurality of slidable balls which are moved between said plates, the position of said slidable balls determining the speed variation of said transmission system.

Abstract: A device is applied to a filter cigarette manufacturing system which includes grooved drums for transporting cigarettes. The device has a rotor located beside the grooved drum so as to be inclined against the same, bellows-type couplings for transmitting a rotatory force from the rotor to the drum, thereby rotating the drum at equal speeds, and pusher drum attached to the rotor and adapted to push out the cigarettes in the axial direction thereof when a predetermined rotational-angle region of the grooved drum is reached by the cigarettes on the drum.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a speed changing apparatus having a housing mounting a plurality of inwardly directed, circumferentially disposed teeth, preferably in the form of a ring gear. The housing has a hub that rotatably receives at least a first shaft that in turn eccentrically mounts a plurality of elongate follower arms. Each follower ann is mounted at one end to the shaft with the other end having at least one tooth configured to engage the circumferentially disposed teeth. The housing further includes a base plate that is rigidly attached to the second shaft. Rotary motion is transferred between the first shaft and a second rotatable member by apparatus that includes a base pin that is rigidly attached to the base plate, an arm pin rigidly attached to a follower ann and a linking ann pivotally attached at opposite ends to the base pin and the arm pin. The second rotatable member may be a second shaft, the housing, or the base plate.

Abstract: An encoder interface for interfacing an encoder having a first part defining a first axis to a structure having a second part defining a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis includes a portion for translating the first part with respect to the second part in a direction transverse to the first axis and a portion for rigidly rotationally stabilizing the first part with respect to the second part against a rotation of the first part about the first axis induced by a translation of the first part with respect to the second part in the direction transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A sealed transmission device for controlling a valve including a casing containing a transfer member coupled to a control shaft and to a receiver shaft. A bellows surrounds the receiver shaft and is fixed and sealed at its upper end to the transfer member and is fixed and sealed at its lower end to the casing. The transfer member is operably connected to a tilting member, which tilting member is adapted to protect the bellows from the effects of torsion due to rotation of the control shaft.

Abstract: Accordingly, the chief object of the present invention is to demonstrate a more impressive change of colors from the rotation of the blade containing fluids having different colors and central gravities in addition to the dynamic presentation of the decorative item within the main portion of the crystal ball of this invention by the main portion, blade of the windmill and the doll at the peripheral of the windmill respectively driven by the planetary gear disposed within the crystal ball for the configuration of transmission of crystal ball having shape of windmill.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission transmits power between an input and output in which a pinion gear, a rotor and a cam are mounted for relative rotation therebetween. First and second gear rack pairs have opposite facing toothed gear racks which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive the pinion gear and cam therebetween when the pinion gear engages at least one of the gear racks, and an outer surface of the cam is adjacent at least one of the gear racks. Structure is provided to prevent contact between the rack teeth and the outer surface of the cam. First and second rack supports support the rack pairs against lateral movement to ensure full engagement between the pinion and sequentially engaged racks. The rack supports slidingly engage the rotor to transmit power therebetween in such a manner that a resultant force vector from contact between the pinion gear and gear rack passes closely adjacent a point of contact between a rack support and the rotor.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission transmits power between an input and output in which a pinion gear, a rotor and a cam are mounted for relative rotation therebetween. First and second gear rack pairs have opposite facing toothed gear racks which are spaced apart sufficiently to receive the pinion gear and cam therebetween when the pinion gear engages at least one of the gear racks, and the outer surface of the cam is adjacent at least one of the gear racks. First and second rack supports support the rack pairs against lateral movement to ensure full engagement between the pinion and sequentially engaged racks. The rack support slidingly engage the rotor to transmit power therebetween in such a manner that a resultant force vector from contact between the pinion and gear rack passes closely adjacent a point of contact between a rack support and a rotor. Teeth of the gears have inclined tips to facilitate meshing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved structure of a water-filled rotary type crystal ball. Its major structure includes the elements of a rotary disc, a fixed base, a rubber plug, an elastic axle, and a drive shaft. By means of the above structure, when the range of hot expansion and cold shrinkage of the clear water in the crystal ball is quite large, the expansion or shrinkage will be absorbed by the rubber plug and drive shaft so that the crystal ball will not leak and the drive shaft will not interfere with the normal state of rotation or break down. Also, the structure of the invention permits an easy and simple assembling process so that the manufacturing costs of the components are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A steplessly variable transmission is described in which a driving element and a driven element are adjustable eccentrically to one another and are coupled via pivotal levers which are journalled on one element and can be brought into force transmitting clamping engagement with the other element via coupling shoes. In the context of this series connection the two change speed units are inversely combined with an eccentric positioning device being provided which either jointly actuates the members with the ring tracks associated with the coupling elements or the members with the coupling elements. The force transmitting zones of engagement of the two units are angularly displaced relative to one another and the eccentricities of the two units and also the lever arms associated with the coupling elements can be so selected that ideal transmission ratios result which are largely free of fluctuations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball having a revolving cover or globe. The crystal ball comprises the torque shaft of a spring driven, music bell, which shaft protrudes from the lower end of the base of the crystal ball, and is fixed to a fixed base. The fixed base envelopes or clads the outside of the casing of the crystal ball, and has an annular gear or rack mounted at the upper end of the fixed base. A radial protrusion at the upper end of the casing of crystal ball has a plurality of vertical orifices, each rotatably mounting a stage comprised of a shaft having a platform fixed to the upper end and a gear fixed at the lower end, the gear engaging the annular rack. By the aforesaid construction, when the torque axle provides a rotational torque to the fixed base due to the spring of the music bell, the crystal ball spins about an axis on a positioning member disposed at the center of the fixed base.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a brush head having a first group of bristle holders arranged along a substantially straight line and a second group of bristle holders arranged in a circle, all the bristle holders being rotatable about their respective axes.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member and a rotatable member such as a transfer roller, a charging roller or a cleaning roller press-contacted to the image bearing member in relation to an image formation process on the image bearing member. A coupling is employed for transmitting the driving force from a driving power source to the rotatable member, so that the state of press-contact between the image bearing member and the rotatable member is maintained substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction with stability.

Abstract: In a harmonic drive arrangement wherein two relatively rotatable members are provided with oppositely arranged gear structures of different numbers of teeth such that the gear structures define therebetween wedge cavities of circumferentially varying cross sections, engagement balls are disposed in the wedge cavities and a biasing structure extends around the gear structure so as to be adapted to bias the balls sequentially inwardly into said wedge cavities and release them outwardly thereby causing relative motion of the two rotatable members.

Abstract: A mechanical transmission is provided to transmit rotary mechanical motion at a mechanical advantage that is selectively and infinitely variable. An output shaft in an output drive mounting frame is driven by a rotary input drive in an input drive mounting plate. The mechanical advantage at which power is transmitted is governed by the position of the output drive mounting frame relative to the input drive mounting plate. A plurality of separate intermediate links, all having toothed gear sections are driven by the input drive and are sequentially and discontinuously brought into meshed engagement with a drive output gear. The intermediate links are all rotatable independently of each other about a common axis on the output drive mounting frame.

Abstract: A motion translating device that includes two or more units mounted on a shaft supported for rotation on a frame. The units are equi-spaced circumferentially about the shaft for balance of the rotating system and each includes arms secured to and radiating outwardly from the shaft, a crank arm journaled on such arms and a fluid actuated piston cylinder unit anchored at one end to the shaft for limited oscillatory movement thereon and at the other end connected to the crank portion of the crank arm. Rotation of the crank arm is resisted preferably selectively by an adjustably variable force. Pressurized fluid flows through said shaft to and from the piston cylinder units with rotary couplings providing connection to a pressure source external to the device. There is a sequence and control valve for the units preferably one for each pair of units controlling flow of fluid to and from the piston cylinder units and in timed relation with and in response to rotation of the crank shaft.

Abstract: A transmission comprising an outer hollow stationary casing having first and second open ends, an outer surface and a cylindrical inner surface. The inner surface has a circumferentially extending, uniformly shaped first zigzag groove. A first hollow cylindrical member is rotatably mounted coaxially within the casing and has an axially aligned output shaft which extends outwardly from the second end of the casing. The cylindrical member has a plurality of transversely extending parallel slots extending therethrough which register with the first zigzag groove. A second hollow cylindrical member is rotatably mounted coaxially within the first cylindrical member and has an output connector extending outwardly from the closed end thereof. A circumferentially extending, uniformly shaped second zigzag groove is formed on the outer surface of the second cylindrical member and registers with a portion of each slot.

Abstract: A mechanism for transmitting rotational motion from one shaft to another includes a link which is constrained to move in an orbital path, an input shaft is connected to the link so that rotation of the input shaft will cause the link to move in its orbital path and a second shaft parallel to the input shaft is connected to the link so that orbital motion of the link will cause the second shaft to rotate. At least one of the shafts is connected to the link by a mounting which is capable of movement in the plane of the link, said mounting making frictional engagement with the link so that when a lateral stress above a predetermined value is applied between the shaft and link, the mounting will move laterally to relieve the stress, said predetermined value being above the lateral stresses experienced during normal operation of the mechanism.